English, active 1792–1838

Salt, 1812

silver, gilt

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The London-based silversmith Paul Storr worked mainly in the Regency style (c. 1780–1830), creating monumental works, but also excelling at small objects. These salts are excellent examples of his smaller-scale work. Despite their dimensions, they exhibit a substantive quality through design and ornamental detail. The salts rise on four lion paw feet, to crisply molded palmettes integrating the transition to the gadrooned bowls. The cast decoration at the rims is of excellent workmanship; the gilt interiors underscore the opulent nature of the Regency period. Storr’s greatest period was 1807–1819, during which he was employed by the best known of the London retail businesses, Rundell Bridge & Rundell. During this time, Storr’s factory was a large concern employing more than 1,000 workers and producing, at its peak, 283.5 kilograms (10,000 ounces) of silver per week.